Reinforcements and Support Brackets for Vehicle Doors

ABSTRACT

A vehicle is disclosed that includes: a vehicle body defining a door frame; a vehicle door that is movably connected to the vehicle body; and an actuation system. The vehicle door includes: an inner panel that is secured to the door frame; an outer panel that is secured to the inner panel; a reinforcement that is secured between the inner panel and the outer panel; and a support bracket that is secured to the reinforcement and which includes a body with a generally planar configuration. In contrast to the door frame, which includes a metallic material, the inner panel and the outer panel each include a non-metallic material. The actuation system is connected to the vehicle door to facilitate opening and closure thereof and extends through the reinforcement and the support bracket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/208,429, filed Jun. 8, 2021, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to force management in vehicle doors and,more specifically, to reinforcements and support brackets that improveload distribution.

BACKGROUND

Many modern vehicles include actuation (assist) systems that facilitatethe opening and/or closure of doors, which often include lighter-weight(e.g., non-metallic) materials to reduce weight, cost, manufacturing andassembly complexities, etc. When subjected to higher forceconcentrations, however, these lighter-weight materials are sometimessubject to the formation of cosmetic and/or structural defects (e.g.,bend, cracking, etc.).

To address this concern, the present disclosure describes a variety ofreinforcements and support brackets that increase the structuralintegrity (e.g., strength, rigidity, etc.) of the associated vehicledoor(s) and improve load distribution.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is disclosed thatincludes: a vehicle body defining a door frame; a vehicle door that ismovably connected to the vehicle body; and an actuation system. Thevehicle door includes: an inner panel that is secured to the door frame;an outer panel that is secured to the inner panel; a reinforcement thatis secured between the inner panel and the outer panel; and a supportbracket that is secured to the reinforcement and which includes a bodywith a generally planar configuration. In contrast to the door frame,which includes a metallic material, the inner panel and the outer paneleach include a non-metallic material. The actuation system is connectedto the vehicle door to facilitate opening and closure thereof andextends through the reinforcement and the support bracket.

In certain embodiments, the support bracket may be positioned laterallyinward of reinforcement.

In certain embodiments, the reinforcement may include a frame and aflange that extends outwardly from the frame towards the outer panel.

In certain embodiments, the support bracket may be secured to theflange.

In certain embodiments, the flange may define a belly that is configuredto receive the support bracket.

In certain embodiments, the reinforcement may include at least onestiffener that is configured to increase the structural integrity of thevehicle door.

In certain embodiments, the support bracket may include at least one armthat extends laterally inward from the body.

In certain embodiments, the at least one arm may be secured to the atleast one stiffener.

In certain embodiments, the at least one stiffener may include an outerstiffener and an inner stiffener that is positioned laterally inward ofthe outer stiffener.

In certain embodiments, the support bracket may be configured such thatthe body is spaced from the outer stiffener along an axis that extendsin generally parallel relation to a height of the body.

In certain embodiments, the at least one arm may be secured to the innerstiffener.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle door is disclosedthat includes: a first panel; a second panel that is positionedoutwardly of the first panel; a reinforcement that is secured betweenthe first panel and the second panel; and a support bracket that issecured to an inner lateral face of the reinforcement.

In certain embodiments, the first panel and the second panel may eachinclude a non-metallic material.

In certain embodiments, the reinforcement may include a frame and aflange that extends outwardly from the frame towards the second panel.

In certain embodiments, the support bracket may include a body with agenerally planar configuration.

In certain embodiments, the body may be secured to the flange.

In certain embodiments, the support bracket may include at least one armthat extends laterally inward from the body.

In certain embodiments, the at least one arm may be fixedly secured tothe frame.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle door is disclosedthat includes: an inner panel; an outer panel that is secured to theinner panel; a reinforcement that is secured to the inner panel suchthat the reinforcement is positioned between the inner panel and theouter panel; and a support bracket, wherein the inner panel and theouter panel each include a non-metallic material. The reinforcementincludes: a frame with a plurality of stiffeners that are configured toincrease the structural integrity of the vehicle door and a flange thatextends outwardly from the frame towards the outer panel and whichdefines a well. The support bracket is positioned within the well and issecured to the flange. The support bracket includes: a body with agenerally planar configuration and a pair of arms that extend laterallyinward from the body and which are fixedly secured to the frame.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of stiffeners may include an outerstiffener and an inner stiffener that is positioned laterally inward ofthe outer stiffener.

In certain embodiments, the pair of arms may be fixedly secured to theinner stiffener.

In certain embodiments, the support bracket may be configured such thatthe body is spaced from the outer stiffener along an axis that extendsin generally parallel relation to a height of the body to reduceinterference with contact between the body and the flange.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

According to common practice, the various features of the drawings maynot be to scale and may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1 is a rear (e.g., outer), plan view of a vehicle including avehicle door according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side, plan view of the vehicle door, which includes anactuation system, an inner panel, an outer panel, one or morereinforcements, and one or more support brackets.

FIG. 3 is a partial, side, perspective view of the vehicle door withparts separated.

FIG. 4 is a front (e.g., inner), plan view of the vehicle door.

FIG. 5 is a top, perspective view of the reinforcement.

FIG. 6 is a top, perspective view of the support bracket.

FIG. 7 is a side, perspective view of the support bracket.

FIG. 8 is a partial, rear (e.g., outer), perspective view of the vehicledoor with the reinforcement and the support bracket shown connected tothe inner panel.

FIG. 9 is a partial, rear (e.g., outer), perspective view of the vehicledoor illustrating connection of the actuation system, the reinforcement,and the support bracket.

FIG. 10 is a partial, rear (e.g., outer), plan view of the vehicle doorillustrating connection of the actuation system, the reinforcement, andthe support bracket.

FIG. 11 is a partial, rear (e.g., outer), perspective view of thevehicle door shown with an alternate embodiment of the support bracket.

FIG. 12 is a partial, rear (e.g., outer), perspective view of thereinforcement and the support bracket seen in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 is a top, perspective view of the support bracket seen in FIG.11 .

FIG. 14 is a side, perspective view of the support bracket seen in FIG.11 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the present disclosure, terms such as “support,” “secure,”“mount,” “engage,” “contact,” and “connect” (and variations thereof) maybe used interchangeably and should each be understood as referring to aphysical interface between the pertinent structures and/or components.Additionally, the term “structural integrity” should be understood asreferring to the physical and/or operational characteristics of thepertinent structures and/or components, including, for example,strength, rigidity, etc.

The present disclosure relates to reinforcements and support bracketsfor vehicle doors that improve (increase) the structural integrity(e.g., strength, rigidity, etc.) of the associated vehicle door(s) andimprove (increase) load distribution in areas that are often subjectedto higher force concentrations. Although generally discussed in thecontext of a vehicle door (e.g., a rear hatch), it should be appreciatedthat the reinforcements and the support brackets described herein may beconfigured for use in a variety of locations, including, for example,passenger doors, tailgates, trunk lids, hoods, etc.

In one particular embodiment of the disclosure, the reinforcements andthe support brackets are configured for use with an actuation systemthat facilitates opening and closure of the vehicle door, which includesan actuator (e.g., a power drive spindle) and a pivot member (e.g., aball stud) that extends through the associated reinforcement and supportbracket. The reinforcement(s) and the support bracket(s) thus distributeload applied to the vehicle door and thereby reduce force concentrationsso as to inhibit, if not entirely prevent, the formation of cosmeticand/or structural defects (e.g., bending, cracking, etc.) in thelighter-weight (e.g., non-metallic) panels of the vehicle door at (oradjacent to) the pivot member that may otherwise occur. It should beappreciated, however, that the reinforcements and the support bracketsdescribed herein may be configured for use in any area of the vehiclethat may benefit from improved (increased) structural integrity (e.g.,strength, rigidity, etc.) and/or improved (increased) load distribution,such as, for example, hinges, pivot points, strikers, etc.

With general reference to FIGS. 1-10 , a vehicle 10 is illustrated thatincludes: a vehicle body 12 and a vehicle door 14. The vehicle body 12defines (includes) a door frame 16 and the vehicle door 14 is movablyconnected to (supported by or within) the door frame 16 such that thevehicle door 14 is repositionable between an open (first, raised)position and a closed (second, lowered) position. Although generallyshown and described as a rear hatch 18 (FIG. 2 ), it should beappreciated that the vehicle door 14 may include a variety ofconfigurations in alternate embodiments of the present disclosure. Forexample, it is envisioned that the vehicle door 14 may be configured asa passenger door, a tailgate, a trunk lid, a hood of the vehicle 10,etc.

Movement of the vehicle door 14 is supported (or otherwise facilitated)by one or more actuation (assist) systems 20, each of which includes anactuator 22 (FIG. 2 ) (e.g., a power drive spindle 24) and a pivotmember 26 (FIGS. 4-6 ) (e.g., a ball stud 28) with a threaded end 30.The pivot member(s) 26 extend through the vehicle door 14 and engage thecorresponding actuator(s) 20 (e.g., in a ball-and-socket fashion),thereby operatively connecting the actuator(s) 20 to the vehicle door 14such that linear movement of the actuator(s) 20 causes relative rotationbetween the actuator(s) 20 and the pivot member(s) 26 during opening andclosure of the vehicle door 14. Although illustrated as including a pairof actuation systems 20 in the particular embodiment shown throughoutthe figures, it should be appreciated that embodiments of the vehicle 10including a single actuation system 20 are also envisioned herein (e.g.,depending upon the particular configuration of the vehicle door 14, thelocation of the vehicle door 14 on the vehicle 10, etc.).

As seen in FIG. 3 , the vehicle door 14 includes an inner (first) panel32 that is secured to (supported by) the door frame 16, an outer(second) panel 34 that is secured to (supported by) the inner panel 32,a pair of reinforcements 100, and a pair of support brackets 200.Whereas the vehicle body 12 includes (e.g., is formed from) one or moremetallic materials, the inner panel 32 and the outer panel 34 eachinclude (e.g., are formed from) one or more non-metallic materials. Forexample, whereas the vehicle body 12 (e.g., the door frame 16) mayinclude steel, it is envisioned that the inner panel 32 and the outerpanel 34 may each include one or more plastic materials, polymericmaterials, carbon fiber, fiberglass, composite materials, etc.

Although illustrated as including a pair of (non-identical,mirror-image) reinforcements 100 i, 100 ii and a pair of corresponding(identical or generally identical) support brackets 200 in theparticular embodiment shown throughout the figures, it should beappreciated that embodiments of the vehicle 10 including a singlereinforcement 100 and a single support bracket 200 are also envisionedherein (e.g., depending upon the particular number of actuation systems20 included in the vehicle 10, the configuration (e.g., the size and/orweight) of the vehicle door 14, the anticipated load applied to thevehicle door 14, etc.). Additionally, while generally illustrated anddescribed as including one or more metallic materials (e.g., steel), itis envisioned that the reinforcements 100 and the support brackets 200may include any material or combination of materials suitable for theintended purpose of increasing the structural integrity (e.g., strength,rigidity, etc.) of the vehicle door(s) 16 and improving loaddistribution in the manner described herein.

The reinforcements 100 are spaced apart along a width W (FIG. 4 ) of thevehicle door 14 on opposite lateral sides thereof at, adjacent to, orgenerally adjacent to the pivot members 26 and each include a frame 102and a flange 104. More specifically, the reinforcements 100 are locatedinternally within the vehicle door 14 and are configured for positioningbetween the inner panel 32 and the outer panel 34.

The frame 102 of each reinforcement 100 is secured (connected) to theinner panel 32 of the vehicle door 14 and extends (horizontally,transversely) in parallel (or generally parallel) relation to the widthW of the vehicle door 14. While the frame 102 is illustrated as beingsecured (connected) to the inner frame 102 via mechanical fasteners(e.g., bolts, screws, pins, rivets, clips, etc.) in the particularembodiment shown throughout the figures, it should be appreciated thatreinforcements 100 and the inner panel 32 may be secured together in anysuitable manner, such as, for example, through the use of an adhesive.

The flange 104 extends (vertically or generally vertically) outward fromthe frame 102 along a depth (thickness) D (FIG. 3 ) of the vehicle door14 (e.g., towards the outer panel 34) and is secured (connected) to acorresponding support bracket 200, as discussed in further detail below.In the particular embodiment shown throughout the figures, the flange104 extends from the frame 102 in orthogonal (or generally orthogonal)relation. It should be appreciated, however, that the relative positionsof the frame 102 and the flange 104 may be altered in variousembodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure(e.g., depending upon spatial requirements of the vehicle door 14, thevolume and/or configuration of the space between the inner panel 32 andthe outer panel 34, the configuration (e.g., the size and/or weight) ofthe vehicle door 14, the location of the vehicle door 14 on the vehicle10, the anticipated load applied to the vehicle door 14, etc.). Theflange 104 includes respective inner and outer lateral faces 106 i, 106o (FIG. 5 ) and defines an opening 108 that is configured to receive oneof the pivot members 26, as described in further detail below.

In certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the reinforcements 100(e.g., the frame 102) may include one or more stiffeners 110 (e.g.,beads 112), ribs, buttresses, or other such structural features tofurther increase the structural integrity of the vehicle door 14. Forexample, as discussed in further detail below, in the particularembodiment shown throughout the figures, the reinforcement 100 includesan outer stiffener 110 o, which is positioned adjacent (or generallyadjacent) to the flange 104, and an inner stiffener 110 i, which isspaced laterally inward from the inner flange 104 (e.g., along the widthW of the vehicle door 14). As seen in FIG. 5 , for example, thestiffeners 110 i, 110 o collectively define a channel 114 that extendsalong (all or a portion of) the periphery of the reinforcement 100.

Each support bracket 200 includes a body 202 with a planar (or generallyplanar), plate-like configuration that defines respective inner andouter lateral faces 204 i, 204 o (FIGS. 6, 7 ), which facilitates matingengagement (contact) between the support bracket 200 and the flange 104(FIG. 5 ) of the corresponding reinforcement 100 to increase the surfacearea available for contact therebetween. The outer lateral face 204 o ofeach support bracket 200 is fixedly secured to the inner lateral face106 i of the corresponding flange 104, as seen in FIGS. 8-10 , wherebythe support brackets 200 are positioned laterally inward of thecorresponding reinforcement 100 (e.g., the flange 104 thereof). Thesupport brackets 200, together with the reinforcements 100, thusdistribute load applied to the vehicle door 14 and/or the actuationsystem 20 (e.g., the pivot member 26), such as that applied by the userduring opening and/or closure, for example, thereby reducing forceconcentrations in the vehicle door 14 and inhibiting, if not entirelypreventing, the formation of cosmetic and/or structural defects (e.g.,in the outer panel 34). More specifically, each support bracket 200 isconfigured for positioning within (reception by) a belly (well) 116(FIG. 5 ) defined by the flange 104 of the corresponding reinforcement100. Although the support brackets 200 are illustrated as being weldedto the flanges 102 in the illustrated embodiment, it should beappreciated that the support brackets 200 and the flanges 102 may befixedly (e.g., non-movably) secured together in any suitable manner,such as, for example, through the use of an adhesive, via one or moremechanical fasteners, etc. Embodiments in which the support brackets 200and the reinforcements 100 are integrally (e.g., unitarily,monolithically) formed are also envisioned herein.

In the particular embodiment of the disclosure seen in FIGS. 1-10 , eachsupport bracket 200 includes a rib 206 (or other such stiffening member)that extends laterally inward (transversely) from the body 202 (e.g.,away from the corresponding actuator 22) so as to increase thestructural integrity (e.g., strength, rigidity, etc.) of the supportbracket 200 and, thus, the vehicle door 14. Embodiments of the supportbracket 200 devoid of the rib 206, however, would not be beyond thescope of the present disclosure (e.g., depending upon spatialrequirements of the vehicle door 14, the volume and/or configuration ofthe space between the inner panel 32 and the outer panel 34, theconfiguration (e.g., the size and/or weight) of the vehicle door 14, thelocation of the vehicle door 14 on the vehicle 10, the anticipated loadapplied to the vehicle door 14 etc.).

Each support bracket 200 includes an opening 208 (FIG. 7 ) that extendsthrough the body 202 and a nut 210 that is secured to the inner lateralface 204 i. The opening 208 is located such that, upon connection of thesupport bracket 200 to the flange 104 of the corresponding reinforcement100, the opening 208 is positioned in registration (alignment) with theopening 108 (FIG. 5 ).

The nut 210 includes internal threading (not shown) and is secured tothe body 202 such that the nut 210 is positioned in registration(alignment) with the opening 208 and, thus, the opening 108 extendingthrough the flange 104 of the corresponding reinforcement 100. Alignmentof the nut 210 with the openings 108, 208 allows for insertion of acorresponding pivot member 26 through the reinforcement 100 and thesupport bracket 200 to facilitate engagement between the threaded end 30of the pivot member 26 and the internal threading on the nut 210.Although the nuts 210 are illustrated as being welded to the innerlateral faces 204 i of the support brackets 200 in the illustratedembodiment, it should be appreciated that the nuts 210 and the supportbrackets 200 may be fixedly (e.g., non-movably) secured together in anysuitable manner, such as, for example, through the use of an adhesive,via one or more mechanical fasteners, etc. Embodiments in which thesupport brackets 200 and the nuts 210 are integrally (e.g., unitarily,monolithically) formed are also envisioned herein.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-10 , assembly of the vehicle door 14will be discussed. During assembly, the nut(s) 210 (FIGS. 8-10 ) arefixedly secured (e.g., welded) to the inner lateral face(s) 204 i of thesupport bracket(s) 200 and the outer lateral face(s) 204 o of thesupport bracket(s) 200 are fixedly secured (e.g., welded) to the innerlateral face(s) 106 i of the flange(s) 102. The reinforcement(s) 100 arethen secured to the inner panel 32 of the vehicle door 14 (e.g., usingone or more mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.) and the outer panel34 of the vehicle door 14 is secured to the inner panel 32 (e.g., usingone or more mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.) such that thereinforcement(s) 100, the support bracket(s) 200, and the nut(s) 210 arelocated therebetween. The pivot member(s) 26 are then inserted throughthe reinforcement(s) 100 and the support bracket(s) 200 (via therespective openings 108, 208) and are threaded to the nut(s) 210, whichdistributes load applied to the vehicle door 14 (e.g., via the pivotmember(s) 26) during opening and/or closure, thereby reducing forceconcentrations and inhibiting (if not entirely preventing) the formationof any cosmetic and/or structural defects in the vehicle door 14 (e.g.,in the outer panel 34) that may otherwise occur. The vehicle door 14 isthen connected to the vehicle body 12, after which, the actuator(s) 22are connected to the pivot member(s) 26.

With reference now to FIGS. 11-14 , another embodiment of the presentlydisclosed support bracket is illustrated, which is identified by thereference character 300. The support bracket 300 is substantiallysimilar to the support bracket 200 discussed above (FIGS. 1-10 ) and,accordingly, will only be discussed with respect to any differencestherefrom in the interest of brevity. As such, identical referencecharacters will be utilized to refer to elements, structures, features,etc., common to the support brackets 200, 300.

Each support bracket 300 includes at least one arm 310 (e.g., a gussetor other such extension) that extends laterally inward (transversely)from the body 202 (e.g., away from the corresponding actuator 22). Inthe particular embodiment shown throughout the figures, the supportbrackets 300 each include a pair of (identical or generally identical)arms 310 that extend from the body 202 in orthogonal (or generallyorthogonal) relation so as to define arcuate (non-linear, radiused)transitions 312. Embodiments in which the transitions 312 may include arectilinear configuration are also contemplated herein, however. Forexample, it is envisioned that the arms 310 may extend from the body 202so as to define elbows (e.g., corner sections) of (approximately) 90degrees. Embodiments of the disclosure in which each support bracket 300may include a single arm 310 are also contemplated herein. In suchembodiments, it is envisioned that the (single) arm 310 may bepositioned equidistant from opposing lateral ends 314 i, 314 ii of thebody 202 (e.g., such that the arm 310 is centered or generally centeredalong the body 202). Alternatively, it is envisioned that the arm 310may be positioned eccentrically (e.g., such that the arm 310 is spacedunequally between the ends 314 i, 314 ii of the body 202).

As seen in FIG. 12 , each support bracket 300 is configured such that agap (space) G is defined between the outer stiffener 110 o and the body202 (and the arm(s) 310). The gap G extends along an axis XG that isparallel (or generally parallel) in relation to a height HB of the body202 of the support bracket 200 (and the flange 104), which inhibits(reduces), if not entirely prevents, interference between the arm(s) 310and the outer stiffener 110 o so as not to compromise (negativelyinfluence) engagement (contact) between the outer lateral face 204 o ofthe support bracket 300 and the inner lateral face 106 i of the flange104.

The arm(s) 310 each define a (vertical) height HA that increases withdistance from the body 202 such that each arm 310 defines acorresponding foot 316 that is configured for fixed (secured) connectionto (engagement, contact with) the frame 102 of the correspondingreinforcement 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the arms310 are configured for fixed connection to the inner stiffener 110 i. Itshould be appreciated, however, that the arm(s) 310 may be secured(connected) to any suitable section or component of the correspondingreinforcement 100 in various embodiments without departing from thescope of the present disclosure (e.g., depending upon spatialrequirements of the vehicle door 14 (FIGS. 1-3 ), the volume and/orconfiguration of the space between the inner panel 32 and the outerpanel 34, the configuration (e.g., the size and/or weight) of thevehicle door 14, the location of the vehicle door 14 on the vehicle 10,the anticipated load applied to the vehicle door 14, etc.). Securementof the arm(s) 310 to the frame 102 further improves (increases) thestructural integrity (e.g., strength, rigidity, etc.) of the supportbracket 300 (e.g., compared to the support bracket 200) by furtherreducing bending, twisting, or other such deformation that may otherwiseoccur under an applied load.

To facilitate connection of the feet 316 to the stiffener 110 i, incertain embodiments, such as that shown throughout the figures, it isenvisioned that each foot 316 may define a recess 318 (e.g., a cutout)(FIGS. 12-14 ) with a contour corresponding to that defined by thestiffener 110 i. As such, depending upon the particular configuration ofthe stiffener 110 i, it is envisioned that the recesses 318 may includea configuration that is defined by one or more non-linear (e.g.,arcuate) segments, as seen in FIGS. 12-14 , one or more linear segments,or a combination thereof.

Although the arms 310 (e.g., the feet 316) of the support bracket 300are illustrated as being welded to the stiffener 110 i in theillustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that the arm(s) 310 maybe fixedly (e.g., non-movably) secured to the correspondingreinforcement 100 in any suitable manner, such as, for example, throughthe use of an adhesive, via one or more mechanical fasteners, etc.Embodiments in which the arm(s) 310 may be integrally (e.g., unitarily,monolithically) formed with the corresponding reinforcement 100 are alsoenvisioned herein.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the various embodimentsof the disclosure described herein and shown in the accompanying figuresconstitute non-limiting examples, and that additional components andfeatures may be added to any of the embodiments discussed herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally,persons skilled in the art will understand that the elements andfeatures shown or described in connection with one embodiment may becombined with those of another embodiment without departing from thescope of the present disclosure and will appreciate further features andadvantages of the presently disclosed subject matter based on thedescription provided. Variations, combinations, and/or modifications toany of the embodiments and/or features of the embodiments describedherein that are within the abilities of a person having ordinary skillin the art are also within the scope of the disclosure, as arealternative embodiments that may result from combining, integrating,and/or omitting features from any of the disclosed embodiments.

Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claimmeans that the element may be included or omitted, with bothalternatives being within the scope of the claim. Additionally, use ofbroader terms, such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having,” should beunderstood to provide support for narrower terms, such as “consistingof,” “consisting essentially of,” and “comprised substantially of.”Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the descriptionset out above but is defined by the claims that follow and includes allequivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

In the preceding description, reference may be made to the spatialrelationship between the various structures illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, and to the spatial orientation of the structures.However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after acomplete reading of this disclosure, the structures described herein maybe positioned and oriented in any manner suitable for their intendedpurpose. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,”“lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “left,” “right,” “upward,” “downward,”“inward,” “outward,” “forward,” “rear,” etc. (and variations thereof),should be understood to describe a relative relationship between thestructures and/or a spatial orientation of the structures. Those skilledin the art will also recognize that the use of such terms may beprovided in the context of the illustrations provided by thecorresponding figure(s).

Additionally, terms such as “approximately,” “generally,”“substantially,” and the like should be understood to allow forvariations in any numerical range or concept with which they areassociated. For example, it is intended that the use of terms such as“approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially” should be understoodto encompass no variation in the appurtenant range or concept with wheythey are associated as well as variations on the order of up to 25%(e.g., to allow for manufacturing tolerances and/or deviations indesign).

Although terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein todescribe various operations, elements, components, regions, and/orsections, these operations, elements, components, regions, and/orsections should not be limited by the use of these terms in that theseterms are used to distinguish one operation, element, component, region,or section from another. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, afirst operation, element, component, region, or section could be termeda second operation, element, component, region, or section withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure.

Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into thespecification and represents embodiments of the present disclosure.Also, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “A and/or B and/orC” should each be interpreted to include only A, only B, only C, or anycombination of A, B, and C.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body defining adoor frame, the door frame including a metallic material; a vehicle doormovably connected to the vehicle body, the vehicle door including: aninner panel secured to the door frame, the inner panel including anon-metallic material; an outer panel secured to the inner panel, theouter panel including a non-metallic material; a reinforcement securedbetween the inner panel and the outer panel; and a support bracketsecured to the reinforcement, the support bracket including a body witha generally planar configuration; and an actuation system connected tothe vehicle door to facilitate opening and closure thereof.
 2. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein the support bracket is positioned laterallyinward of reinforcement.
 3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein thereinforcement includes a frame and a flange that extends outwardly fromthe frame towards the outer panel.
 4. The vehicle of claim 3, whereinthe support bracket is secured to the flange.
 5. The vehicle of claim 4,wherein the flange defines a belly configured to receive the supportbracket.
 6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement includesat least one stiffener configured to increase structural integrity ofthe vehicle door.
 7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the support bracketincludes at least one arm extending laterally inward from the body. 8.The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the at least one arm is secured to theat least one stiffener.
 9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the at leastone stiffener includes an outer stiffener and an inner stiffenerpositioned laterally inward of the outer stiffener.
 10. The vehicle ofclaim 9, wherein the support bracket is configured such that the body isspaced from the outer stiffener along an axis extending in generallyparallel relation to a height of the body, the at least one arm beingsecured to the inner stiffener.
 11. A vehicle door comprising: a firstpanel; a second panel positioned outwardly of the first panel; areinforcement secured between the first panel and the second panel; anda support bracket secured to an inner lateral face of the reinforcement.12. The vehicle door of claim 11, wherein the first panel and the secondpanel each include a non-metallic material.
 13. The vehicle door ofclaim 11, wherein the reinforcement includes a frame and a flangeextending outwardly from the frame towards the second panel.
 14. Thevehicle door of claim 13, wherein the support bracket includes a bodywith a generally planar configuration, the body being secured to theflange.
 15. The vehicle door of claim 14, wherein the support bracketincludes at least one arm extending laterally inward from the body. 16.The vehicle door of claim 15, wherein the at least one arm is fixedlysecured to the frame.
 17. A vehicle door comprising: an inner panelincluding a non-metallic material; an outer panel secured to the innerpanel, the outer panel including a non-metallic material; areinforcement secured to the inner panel such that the reinforcement ispositioned between the inner panel and the outer panel, thereinforcement including: a frame with a plurality of stiffenersconfigured to increase structural integrity of the vehicle door; and aflange extending outwardly from the frame towards the outer panel, theflange defining a well; and a support bracket positioned within the welland secured to the flange, the support bracket including: a body with agenerally planar configuration; and a pair of arms extending laterallyinward from the body, the pair of arms being fixedly secured to theframe.
 18. The vehicle door of claim 17, wherein the plurality ofstiffeners includes an outer stiffener and an inner stiffener positionedlaterally inward of the outer stiffener.
 19. The vehicle door of claim18, wherein the pair of arms are fixedly secured to the inner stiffener.20. The vehicle door of claim 19, wherein the support bracket isconfigured such that the body is spaced from the outer stiffener alongan axis extending in generally parallel relation to a height of the bodyto reduce interference with contact between the body and the flange.